Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Wakefield’s turntable park, officially Parc Roquebrune, has been at the centre of community
discussion this summer. The municipality of La Pêche launched an online consultation running
from July 1 to September 5, which has so far gathered more than 2,300 votes, and feedback
from 156 participants.

Alongside the digital platform, residents also had the opportunity to speak directly with municipal
staff at a workshop on August 14 and at a kiosk in the park on August 16. Sylvain Henry, who
attended both, said he appreciated the effort to reach people in person. “Many residents
stopped to share their views, and I was pleased that every suggestion, including mine, was
carefully noted,” he said. “It is important to have these face-to-face consultations because not
everyone will participate online.”

The options presented ranged from expanded swimming areas and renovated washrooms to
additional picnic space, a community stage for concerts, a tourism kiosk, and changes to
parking. One of the most detailed proposals came from Stanley Britton, a local heritage
advocate, who suggested a playground shaped like Wakefield’s steam engine and a deck built
over the turntable to preserve it as a feature of the park.

The future of the railway tracks remains uncertain. Henry said he suspects the rails may be
removed, but he urged caution. “I reminded municipal staff of the high costs associated with
removing the rails in Chelsea,” he explained. “Such a decision here could be equally costly.”
Mayor Guillaume Lamoureux has described Parc Roquebrune as one of La Pêche’s most
visited parks and emphasized the importance of ensuring it serves the needs of both residents
and visitors. Council is expected to decide on the redesign in the first week of September, just
before the municipal election. “I was told that four councillors will not be seeking re-election,
which will create a significant change on council,” said Henry.

Henry left the consultation with a sense of optimism. “What impressed me most was the
seriousness with which ideas were gathered,” he said. “Every comment was recorded, and it
was encouraging to see how many people were engaged in shaping the future of the park.”
Residents are invited to share their vision for the park at lapecheconsulte.ca until the end of the
consultation period on September 5.

Photo: Residents gathered at Parc Roquebrune on August 16 for a public consultation to share
their ideas and concerns about the park’s future (TF) Photo: Screenshot of Sylvain Henry’s
video on Facebook